This week in Congress: First real week back for lawmakers

Snow covered Capitol Hill on Jan. 4, 2018. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

WASHINGTON — Congress’ first real week of work in 2018 begins this Monday, when both chambers return to the capital facing another round of looming budget deadlines.

Lawmakers have until Jan. 19 to reach a new budget deal or risk a government shutdown. Work continued on the impasse through the holiday break, but neither Republican or Democratic leaders have indicated that they are willing to make major sacrifices to move the process forward.

That unresolved work from last year won’t slow down the demands of this year’s legislative session. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech is scheduled for Jan. 30, and his fiscal 2019 budget proposal is due in early February.

House Armed Services Committee officials will delve into some of those early defense budget issues on Wednesday, when Pentagon Comptroller David Norquist testifies on Capitol Hill about military financial readiness and congressional demands for better efficiency.

Tuesday, Jan. 9

Senate Health — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 430Opioid Crisis The full committee will hear from outside experts on opioid abuse issues and the impact on America.

Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419Cuba The subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere will talk to outside experts about attacks on U.S. diplomats in Cuba.

House Armed Services — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2118China The subcommittee on emerging threats will hear from outside experts on China's technology development and the impact on U.S. security strategy.

House Foreign Affairs — 2 p.m. — Rayburn 2172Regional elections The subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere will hear from outside experts on the potential impact of regional elections on American security.

Thursday, Jan. 11

Senate Foreign Relations — 10 a.m. — Dirksen 419ISIS State Department officials will testify before the committee on U.S. policy in Syria and the Middle East following the fall of ISIS.